Definition

During a bone graft, a donated piece of bone is added to the site of a fracture or other bone defect. The new bone can spur bone growth, bridge a gap in a bone, provide support, and aid in healing. The new bone may come from another part of your body (autograft) or from another person (allograft). Rarely, synthetic grafts, which are not bone, are also used.

Anesthesia

Description of the Procedure

The method of treatment depends on the type and location of the bone injury or defect and the type of graft you will be receiving.

Most bone graft procedures use your own bone. The bone is often taken from the iliac crest. This is the bone at your hip, about where you would wear a belt. An incision is made over the part of the bone that will be removed. A special bone chisel will remove the piece of bone. This incision is then closed.

The doctor will cut through the skin covering the area in need of repair. Any scar or dead tissue will be removed from the area. Your bone will then be reconstructed with the graft. The doctor may need to immobilize the bone. Plates and screws may be used during the procedure to immobilize the bone. A cast or brace may be needed after the procedure.

After Procedure

An x-ray may be taken to make sure the bone is in the correct position.

How Long Will It Take?

The length of your surgery will depend on the repair needed.

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medication.

Average Hospital Stay

Your stay in the hospital will depend on the extent of surgery and your progress.

Post-procedure Care

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection such as:

Washing their hands

Wearing gloves or masks

Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to reduce your chances of infection such as:

Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and healthcare providers to do the same

Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks

Not allowing others to touch your incisions

Care depends on the procedure and location of the bone graft:

Do not smoke. Smoking can delay bone healing.

Some grafts can fail. You doctor will track progress with x-rays.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site

Nausea and/or vomiting that you can't control with the medications you were given

Pain that you can't control with the medications you have been given

Pain, burning, urgency or frequency of urination, or persistent bleeding in the urine

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